Power Struggle in Karnataka? Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Head to Delhi
Power Struggle in Karnataka? Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Head to Delhi
Political heat rises in Karnataka as CM Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are summoned to Delhi. Is a major leadership shuffle on the cards for the Congress government?
The political temperature in Karnataka is reaching a boiling point as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar prepare for a high-stakes meeting with the Congress top brass in New Delhi. This sudden summons to the national capital has set off a fresh wave of speculation regarding a potential leadership change or a power-sharing arrangement within the state government.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, now 77, mentioned that while he has been called for a meeting on Tuesday morning, the specific agenda remains a mystery to him. When reporters questioned him about the ongoing talk of a leadership shuffle, he simply noted that such rumors are always present. On the other hand, DK Shivakumar remained brief, stating he would certainly head to Delhi if the high command required his presence.
The drama isn't just internal. The BJP has wasted no time in attacking the ruling party. Senior BJP leader Agrawal used a colorful metaphor, suggesting that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is acting like a monkey instigating a fight between two cats—Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Agrawal claimed that Kharge might be waiting for the duo to wear each other out so he can step in as Chief Minister himself. According to the BJP leader, there aren't just two contenders for the top job, but three.
This tension stems from reported agreements made during the 2023 Assembly elections. Supporters of DK Shivakumar have been vocal about their demand to see him in the Chief Minister's seat, citing a rumored power-sharing deal that would see a change in leadership after the government completes its first few years.
As the leaders head to Delhi, the state watches closely. The BJP even went as far as to claim that several Congress MLAs are currently in touch with them, suggesting the government's position might be weaker than it looks. Whether this Delhi trip results in a major shakeup or just a routine strategy session remains to be seen.
